The highly anticipated new season of the epic Lord of the Rings series, Rings of Power, is just around the corner – but one actor will not be returning. Set thousands of years before the events of the popular Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, the Prime Video series explores the creation of the Rings of Power, an alliance between Elves and Men, and the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron.
The first season cost a whopping $700 million (about £556 million), including rights from JRR Tolkien’s estate. From its debut in September 2022 to December of that year, the eight-episode season attracted over 100 million viewers, setting a new record as the most-watched show of all time on Prime Video.
Viewers are eagerly awaiting the second season of Rings of Power on August 29, but Joseph Mawle will not be returning as Orc leader Adar. Here’s why Adar was recast and what to expect from the character in season two.
Joseph Mawle played Adar in the first season of The Rings of Power and received praise for his portrayal of one of the series’ main villains. Amazon Prime Studios confirmed that English actor Sam Hazeldine will reprise the role in the second season and beyond.
In a December 2022 casting announcement from Amazon, Sam Hazeldine was announced as Mawle’s replacement, although no reason was given. Mawle explained on social media why he moved on from Rings of Power: “I loved the time I spent exploring Middle Earth and immersing myself in Tolkien’s mythology.
“I feel so honored that the character was liked. It was very important to him to tell you his story.”
“Although as an actor it remains my desire and job description to explore new characters and worlds. I wish the cast and crew all the best for Season 2 and will be cheering you on from the sidelines X.”
Sam Hazeldine will play Adar in the second season of Rings of Power, continuing the villain’s journey through Middle Earth. Fans may know Hazeldine from several of his roles in recent years, including George Sewell in the crime drama Peaky Blinders.
Hazeldine has played small roles in major films including The Huntsman: Winter’s War, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, The Last Duel, Grimsby and ’71.
In recent years, Hazeldine has also appeared in streaming hits, including Barnaby in The Sandman and as Eredin in The Witcher on Netflix, as well as the Apple TV+ shows Masters of the Air and Slow Horses.
In Season 1, a shared past between the Uruk and Sauron is hinted at, with the Dark Lord believing that Adar acted against him. Adar believes he killed Sauron and has no idea that the Dark Lord has actually returned.
Adar is a more sympathetic leader of the Orcs as he searches for a home for his army. When a volcanic eruption destroys the Southlands, Adar is branded “Lord of the Southlands” in episode seven, “The Eye.”
Season two could reveal what Adar did to anger Sauron and how the Orc leader became corrupted. With the rise of Sauron in season one, we could see Adar and Sauron meet again, and it could potentially end deadly.
